Partitioned water treatment systems with vertical filtration units

ABSTRACT

The present invention supplies partitioned water treatment systems that possess a plurality of chambers and vertical filtration units, and are operative to control and filter surface runoff water. Such systems are typically placed inline with surface runoff water conveyance system infrastructure, such as pipes, channels, and water storage units.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/145,765, filed Dec. 31, 2013, entitled “PARTITIONED WATER TREATMENTSYSTEMS WITH VERTICAL FILTRATION UNITS”, which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety as if set forth in full.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to the fields of water filtration systems andsurface runoff water conveyance systems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Water treatment systems have been in existence for many years. Thesesystems treat stormwater surface runoff or other polluted water.Stormwater runoff is of concern for two main reasons: i. volume and flowrate, and ii. pollution and contamination. The volume and flow rate ofstormwater runoff is a concern because large volumes and high flow ratescan cause erosion and flooding. Pollution and contamination ofstormwater runoff is a concern because stormwater runoff flows into ourrivers, streams, lakes, wetlands, and/or oceans. Pollution andcontamination carried by stormwater runoff into such bodies of water canhave significant adverse effects on the health of ecosystems.

The Clean Water Act of 1972 enacted laws to improve water infrastructureand quality. Sources of water pollution have been divided into twocategories: point source and non-point source. Point sources includewastewater and industrial waste. Point sources are readily identifiable,and direct measures can be taken to mitigate them. Non-point sources aremore difficult to identify. Stormwater runoff is the major contributorto non-point source pollution. Studies have revealed that contaminatedstormwater runoff is the leading cause of pollution to

our waterways. As we build houses, buildings, parking lots, roads, andother impervious areas, we increase the amount of water that runs intoour stormwater conveyance systems and eventually flows into rivers,lakes, streams, wetlands, and/or oceans. As more land becomesimpervious, less rain seeps into the ground, resulting in lessgroundwater recharge and higher velocity flows, which cause erosion andincreased pollution levels of watery environments.

Numerous sources introduce pollutants into stormwater runoff. Sedimentsfrom hillsides and other natural areas exposed during construction andother human activities are one source of such pollutants. When land isstripped of vegetation, stormwater runoff erodes the exposed land andcarries it into storm drains. Trash and other debris dropped on theground are also carried into storm drains by stormwater runoff. Anothersource of pollutants is leaves and grass clippings from landscapingactivities that accumulate on hardscape areas and do not decompose backinto the ground, but flow into storm drains and collect in huge amountsin lakes and streams. These organic substances leach out large amountsof nutrients as they decompose and cause large algae blooms, whichdeplete dissolved oxygen levels in marine environments and result inexpansive marine dead zones. Unnatural stormwater polluting nutrientsinclude nitrogen, phosphorus, and ammonia that come from residential andagricultural fertilizers.

Heavy metals that come from numerous sources are harmful to fish,wildlife, and humans. Many of our waterways are no longer safe forswimming or fishing due to heavy metals introduced by stormwater runoff.Heavy metals include zinc, copper, lead, mercury, cadmium and selenium.These metals come from vehicle tires and brake pads, paints, galvanizedroofs and fences, industrial activities, mining, recycling centers, etc.Hydrocarbons are also of concern and include oils, gas, and grease.These pollutants come from leaky vehicles and other heavy equipment thatuse hydraulic fluid, brake fluid, diesel, gasoline, motor oil, and otherhydrocarbon based fluids. Bacteria and pesticides are additional harmfulpollutants carried into waterways by stormwater runoff

Over the last 20 years, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) hasbeen monitoring the pollutant concentrations in most streams, rivers,and lakes in the United States. Over 50% of waterways in the UnitedStates are impaired by one of more of the above-mentioned pollutants. Aspart of the EPA Phase 1 and Phase 2 National Pollutant DischargeElimination Systems, permitting requirements intended to controlindustrial and nonindustrial development activities have beenimplemented. Phase 1 was initiated in 1997 and Phase 2 was initiated in2003. While there are many requirements for these permits, the mainrequirements focus on pollution source control, pollution control duringconstruction, and post construction pollution control. Post constructioncontrol mandates that any new land development or redevelopmentactivities incorporate methods and solutions that both control increasedflows of surface water runoff from the site and decrease (filter out)the concentration of pollutants off the site. These requirements arecommonly known as quantity and quality control. Another part of theserequirements is for existing publicly owned developed areas to retrofitthe existing drainage infrastructure with quality and quantity controlmethods and technologies that decrease the amount of surface waterrunoff and pollutant concentrations therein.

A major category of technologies used to meet these requirements arereferred to as structural best management practices (BMPs). StructuralBMPs include proprietary and non-proprietary technologies designed tostore and/or remove pollutants from stormwater. Technologies such asdetention ponds and regional wetlands are used to control the volume ofsurface water runoff while providing some pollutant reductioncapabilities. Various rain water runoff treatment technologies such ascatch basin filters, hydrodynamic separators, and filters are used toremove pollutants.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention provide partitioned water treatment systemscomprised of a box configured for installation into a flow stream ofsurface runoff water conveyance infrastructure (SRWC infrastructure). Insome embodiments, the box possesses a ceiling, a floor, two lateralwalls, two endwalls, an inflow opening, an outflow opening, a dischargechamber wall, and one or more collection rail(s). The discharge chamberwall is in sealed connection with the floor and the two lateral walls,but not the ceiling, such that the discharge chamber wall partitions thebox into a filtration chamber that abuts the inflow opening and adischarge chamber that abuts the outflow opening. The inflow opening is:i. positioned in the ceiling, one of the two lateral walls, or one ofthe two endwalls, ii. is in sealed, fluid communication with SRWCinfrastructure upstream of the partitioned water treatment system, andiii. abuts the filtration chamber. The outflow opening: i. is positionedin the floor in or in proximity with the floor in one of the two lateralwalls or one of the two endwalls; ii. is in sealed, fluid communicationwith the SRWC infrastructure downstream of the partitioned watertreatment system; and iii. abuts the discharge chamber.

Also in such embodiments, each of the one or more collection rail(s)comprises: i. a duct that extends from the discharge chamber to thefiltration chamber, sealingly through the discharge chamber wall, andii. one or more filter assemblage(s). The duct comprises an exit openinglocated in the discharge chamber. The one or more filter assemblage(s)comprises a vertical filter, a filter opening in the duct, and a couplerthat mounts the vertical filter on the duct and places the verticalfilter and the filter opening in sealed, fluid communication. The ductis configured such that: i. each of the one or more filter assemblage(s)are positioned in the filtration chamber, and ii. the duct is waterimpermeable apart from the exit opening and the filter opening of eachof the one or more filter assemblage(s). The collection rail isoperative to allow water to flow from the filtration chamber to thedischarge chamber by passing through at least one of the one or morefilter assemblage(s), the duct, and the exit opening.

Also in such embodiments, the top of the discharge chamber wall ispositioned in the box such that in conditions of: i. low to moderatewater flow through the system, a flow path of water is from the inflowopening into the filtration chamber, through at least one of the one ormore collection rail(s) into the discharge chamber, and through theoutflow opening; and ii. high water flow through the system, anadditional flow path of water is from the inflow opening into thefiltration chamber, over the discharge chamber wall into the dischargechamber, and through the outflow opening.

Embodiments of the invention provide partitioned water treatment systemscomprised of a box configured for installation into a flow stream ofSRWC infrastructure. In some embodiments, the box possesses a ceiling, afloor, two lateral walls, two endwalls, an inflow opening, an outflowopening, a discharge chamber wall, a separation chamber wall, and one ormore collection rail(s). In such embodiments, the discharge chamber wallis in sealed connection with the floor and the two lateral walls, butnot the ceiling and the separation chamber wall is in sealing connectionwith the floor, one of the endwalls, and the discharge chamber wall, butnot the ceiling, such that the discharge chamber wall and the separationchamber wall partition the box into a separation chamber that abuts theinflow opening, a filtration chamber, and a discharge chamber that abutsthe outflow opening. The inflow opening: i. is positioned in theceiling, one of the lateral walls, or one of the endwalls; ii. is insealed, fluid communication with the SRWC infrastructure upstream of thepartitioned water treatment system; and iii. abuts the separationchamber. The outflow opening: i. is positioned in the floor in or inproximity with the floor in one of the two lateral walls or one of thetwo endwalls; ii. is in sealed, fluid communication with the SRWCinfrastructure downstream of the partitioned water treatment system; andabuts the discharge chamber.

Also in such embodiments, each of the one or more collection rail(s)comprises: i. a duct that extends from the discharge chamber to thefiltration chamber, sealingly through the discharge chamber wall, andii. one or more filter assemblage(s). The duct comprises an exit openinglocated in the discharge chamber. The one or more filter assemblage(s)comprises a vertical filter, a filter opening in the duct, and a couplerthat mounts the vertical filter on the duct and places the verticalfilter and the filter opening in sealed, fluid communication. The ductis configured such that: i. each of the one or more filter assemblage(s)are positioned in the filtration chamber, and ii. the duct is waterimpermeable apart from the exit opening and the filter opening of eachof the one or more filter assemblage(s). The collection rail isoperative to allow water to flow from the filtration chamber to thedischarge chamber by passing through at least one of the one or morefilter assemblage(s), the duct, and the exit opening.

Also in such embodiments, the top of the discharge chamber wall and thetop of the separation chamber wall are positioned in the box such thatin conditions of: i. low to moderate water flow through the system, aflow path of water is from the inflow opening into the separationchamber, over the separation chamber wall into the filtration chamber,through at least one of the one or more collection rail(s) into thedischarge chamber, and through the outflow opening; and ii. high waterflow through the system, an additional flow path of water is from theinflow opening into the separation chamber, over the discharge chamberwall into the discharge chamber, and through the outflow opening.

In some embodiments, partitioned water treatment systems furthercomprise a cap or a plug sealingly mounted on the exit opening. In suchembodiments, the cap or the plug is water impermeable apart from one ormore aperture(s) sized, individually or in aggregate, to control a rateof water flow through the duct that is less than a maximum rate of waterflow through at least one filter of the one or more filterassemblage(s).

In some embodiments, partitioned water treatment systems furthercomprise a diversion weir in the separation chamber wall adjacent to thedischarge chamber wall. In such embodiments, the diversion weir isconfigured to permit water to flow therethrough and is thereby operativeto increase: i. an average distance travelled by water through theseparation chamber prior to flowing into the filtration chamber; andtherefor ii. an amount of sediment settling in the filtration chamber.

In some embodiments, partitioned water treatment systems furthercomprise a bypass weir in the discharge chamber wall adjacent to theseparation chamber. In such embodiments, the bypass weir is configuredto establish, in the condition of high water flow through the system, asecond additional flow path of water from the inflow opening into theseparation chamber, through the bypass weir into the discharge chamber,and through the outflow opening. In such embodiments, the secondadditional water flow path reduces an amount of scouring of sedimentsout of the separation chamber that results from water flowing over thetop of the filtration chamber wall.

In some embodiments, partitioned water treatment systems furthercomprise a velocity shield mounted in the separation chamber abuttingthe inflow opening.

In some embodiments, partitioned water treatment systems furthercomprise a flow director mounted on a side of the discharge chamber wallthat abuts the first filtration chamber.

In some embodiments, partitioned water treatment systems furthercomprise an oil skimmer unit mounted in the separation chamber.

In some embodiments, partitioned water treatment systems furthercomprise a bypass filtration basket mounted in proximity with the top ofthe discharge chamber wall.

In some embodiments, the vertical filter of at least one of the one ormore filter assemblage(s) comprises a sheet of filter material formedinto a cylinder closed by a top end that is water impermeable and abottom end that is water impermeable apart from an opening through whichwater can flow. In such embodiments, the coupler is adapted to place theopening in the bottom end of the vertical filter in sealed, fluidcommunication with the filter opening of the at least one of the one ormore filter assemblage(s).

In some embodiments, the sheet of filter material is selected from thegroup consisting of a plastic, a paper, a fiberglass, and a combinationthereof. In some embodiments, the sheet of filter material comprisesback and forth folds that form a series of pleats. In some embodiments,the coupler of at least one of the one or more filter assemblage(s) isadapted to removeably mount the vertical filter on the duct.

In some embodiments, the coupler comprises hardware selected from thegroup consisting of a friction fitting, a pressure fitting, a threadedfitting, a bolt, a screw, a nail, and a clamp.

In some embodiments, partitioned water treatment systems furthercomprise a flow control assembly, wherein the flow control assembly ispositioned in the discharge chamber and is in sealed, fluidcommunication with the exit opening of at least one of the one morecollection rail(s). In some embodiments, the flow control assemblyfurther comprises a mechanical gate. In some embodiments, the mechanicalgate is selected from the group consisting of a cam lock gate, a floatgate, a float valve, a pressure gate, a floating weir, a slide gate, atilt weir, and a lift gate. In some embodiments, the ceiling of the boxpossesses an access hatch.

In some embodiments, partitioned water treatment systems furthercomprise an air release valve on the top of the flow control assemblyconfigured to allow air to leave the inside of the flow control assemblyas an air pressure inside of the flow control assembly increases above arelease threshold of the air release valve due to an increase in waterlevel within the flow control assembly.

Embodiments of the invention provide collection rails configured forinstallation in a partitioned water treatment system that comprises afiltration chamber and a discharge chamber, the collection railcomprising a duct and one or more filter assemblage(s). The ductcomprises an exit opening located in or near an end of the duct. The oneor more filter assemblage(s) comprise(s) a vertical filter, a filteropening in the duct, and a coupler that mounts the vertical filter onthe duct and places the vertical filter and the filter opening insealed, fluid communication. The duct is configured to position, wheninstalled in the water treatment system: i. each of the one or morefilter assemblage(s) in the filtration chamber, and ii. the exit openingin the discharge chamber. The collection rail is configured toestablish, when installed in the water treatment system, a flow path forwater from the filtration chamber through at least one of the one ormore filter assemblage(s), the duct, the outflow opening, and into thedischarge chamber.

In some embodiments, the vertical filter of at least one of the one ormore filter assemblage(s) comprises a sheet of filter material formedinto a cylinder closed by a top end that is water impermeable and abottom end that is water impermeable apart from an opening through whichwater can flow. In such embodiments, the coupler is adapted to place theopening in the bottom end of the vertical filter in sealed, fluidcommunication with the filter opening of the at least one of the one ormore filter assemblage(s).

In some embodiments, the sheet of filter material is selected from thegroup consisting of a plastic, a paper, a fiberglass, and a combinationthereof. In some embodiments, the sheet of filter material comprisesback and forth folds that form a series of pleats.

In some embodiments, the coupler of at least one of the one or morefilter assemblage(s) is adapted to removeably mount the vertical filteron the duct. In some embodiments, the coupler comprises hardwareselected from the group consisting of a friction fitting, a threadedfitting, a bolt, a screw, a nail, and a clamp.

In some embodiments, the SRWC infrastructure downstream of the systemincludes a water storage unit that comprises a second box. The secondbox possesses: i. a roof, a deck, two side walls, and two second boxendwalls that form a storage chamber; ii. an influent opening; and iii.an effluent opening. The influent opening is: i. positioned in the roofor above the effluent opening in one of the two side walls or one of thetwo second box endwalls; and ii. in sealed, fluid communication with theoutflow opening. The effluent opening is positioned in the deck or inproximity with the deck in one of the two side walls or one of the twosecond box endwalls. And the second box is configured such that waterflows from the influent opening through the storage chamber and throughthe effluent opening. In some embodiments, the outflow opening adjoinsthe influent opening. In some embodiments, a tube places the outflowopening and the influent opening in sealed, fluid communication.

In some embodiments, the SRWC infrastructure upstream of the systemincludes a water storage unit that comprises a second box. The secondbox possesses: i. a roof, a deck, two side walls, and two second boxendwalls that form a storage chamber; ii. an influent opening; and iii.an effluent opening. The influent opening is positioned in the roof orabove the effluent opening in one of the two side walls or one of thetwo second box endwalls. The effluent opening is: i. positioned in thedeck or in proximity with the deck in one of the two side walls or oneof the two second box endwalls, and ii. in sealed, fluid communicationwith the inflow opening. And the second box is configured such thatwater flows from the influent opening through the storage chamber andthrough the effluent opening. In some embodiments, the inflow openingadjoins the effluent opening. In some embodiments, a tube places theeffluent opening and the inflow opening in sealed, fluid communication.

In some embodiments, the SRWC infrastructure downstream of the systemincludes a water storage unit comprising a second box. The second boxpossesses: i. a roof, a deck, two side walls, two second box endwalls, astorage chamber wall; ii. an influent opening, and iii. an effluentopening. The storage chamber wall is in sealed connection with the twoside walls and the deck, but not the roof, such that the storage chamberwall partitions the second box into a storage chamber that abuts theinfluent opening and an effluent chamber that abuts the effluentopening. The influent opening is: i. positioned in the roof or above theeffluent opening in one of the two side walls or one of the two secondbox endwalls; and ii. in sealed, fluid communication with the outflowopening. The effluent opening is positioned in the deck or in proximitywith the deck in one of the two side walls or one of the two second boxendwalls. The second box is configured such that water flows from theinfluent opening through the storage chamber and through the effluentopening. And the storage chamber wall comprises a storage flow controlopening, such that in conditions of: i. low to moderate water flowthrough the water storage unit, a flow path of water through the storageunit is from the influent opening into the storage chamber, through thestorage flow control opening into the effluent chamber, and through theeffluent opening, and ii. high water flow through the water storageunit, an additional flow path of water through the storage unit is fromthe influent opening into the storage chamber, over the storage chamberwall into the effluent chamber, and through the effluent opening. Insome embodiments, the outflow opening adjoins the influent opening. Insome embodiments, a tube places the outflow opening and the influentopening in sealed, fluid communication.

In some embodiments, the SRWC infrastructure upstream of the systemincludes a water storage unit comprising a second box. The second boxpossesses: i. a roof, a deck, two side walls, two second box endwalls, astorage chamber wall; ii. an influent opening; and iii. an effluentopening. The storage chamber wall is in sealed connection with the twoside walls and the deck, but not the roof, such that the storage chamberwall partitions the second box into a storage chamber that abuts theinfluent opening and an effluent chamber that abuts the effluentopening. The influent opening is positioned in the roof or above theeffluent opening in one of the side two walls or one of the two secondbox endwalls. The effluent opening is: i. positioned in the deck or inproximity with the deck in one of the two side walls or one of the twosecond box endwalls; and ii. in sealed, fluid communication with theinflow opening. The second box is configured such that water flows fromthe influent opening through the storage chamber and through theeffluent opening. And the storage chamber wall comprises a storage flowcontrol opening, such that in conditions of: i. low to moderate waterflow through the water storage unit, a flow path of water through thestorage unit is from the influent opening into the storage chamber,through the storage flow control opening into the effluent chamber, andthrough the effluent opening, and ii. high water flow through the waterstorage unit, an additional flow path of water through the storage unitis from the influent opening into the storage chamber, over the storagechamber wall into the effluent chamber, and through the effluentopening. In some embodiments, the inflow opening adjoins the effluentopening. In some embodiments, a tube places the inflow opening and theeffluent opening in sealed, fluid communication.

Embodiments of the invention provide methods of treating surface runoffwater in a conveyance system, by installing into the conveyance system apartitioned water treatment system of the invention. Embodiments of theinvention provide methods of maintaining a partitioned water treatmentsystem of the invention, the methods involve removing debris from atleast one of a separation chamber, a filter chamber, and a dischargechamber from a partitioned water treatment system having verticalfilters of the invention. Embodiments of the invention provide methodsof maintaining a partitioned water treatment system of the invention,the methods involve cleaning or replacing at least one of a verticalfilter, a oil skimmer, and a bypass basket of a partitioned watertreatment system having vertical filters of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1. Top-view, cut-out schematic of an embodiment of the invention inlow to moderate water flow conditions.

FIG. 2. Top-view, cut-out schematic of the embodiment of the inventionin high water flow conditions.

FIG. 3. Side-view, cut-out schematic of an embodiment of the inventionin low to moderate water flow conditions.

FIG. 4. Side-view, cut-out schematic of an embodiment of the inventionin low to moderate water flow conditions.

FIG. 5. Side-view, cut-out schematic of an embodiment of the inventionin high water flow conditions.

FIG. 6. Inflow end, cut-out view of an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7. Outflow end, cut-out view of an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8. Isolation view of a collection rail of the invention fitted withan outflow assembly that possesses a mechanical gate in a closedconfiguration.

FIG. 9. Isolation view of a collection rail of the invention fitted withan outflow assembly that possesses a mechanical gate in an openconfiguration.

FIG. 10. Isolation view of a collection rail of the invention fittedwith an outflow assembly that possesses a mechanical gate in an openconfiguration.

FIG. 11. Isolation view of an embodiment of a vertical filtration unitof the invention.

FIG. 12. Isolation view of an embodiment of a collection rail of theinvention (filter assemblages not shown).

FIG. 13. Side-view of an embodiment of the invention that comprises anoil skimmer.

FIG. 14. Side-view, cut-out of an embodiment of the invention thatcomprises a bypass filtration basket.

FIG. 15. Side-view, cut-out of an embodiment of the invention upstreamof a water storage unit.

FIG. 16. End-view, cut-out of an embodiment of the invention upstream ofa water storage unit

FIG. 17. Side-view, cut-out of an embodiment of the invention downstreamof a water storage unit.

FIG. 18. End-view, cut-out of a water storage unit downstream of anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 19. Side-view, cut-out of an embodiment of the invention thatcomprises a drain-down filter.

FIG. 20. Isolation view of an embodiment of a drain-down filtration unitof the invention.

FIG. 21. Isolation view of a collection rail of the invention fittedwith an outflow assembly that possesses a float gate in a closedconfiguration.

FIG. 22. Isolation view of a collection rail of the invention fittedwith an outflow assembly that possesses a float gate in an openconfiguration.

FIG. 23. Isolation view of a collection rail of the invention fittedwith an outflow assembly that possesses a float gate in an openconfiguration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides partitioned water treatment systems thatpossess a plurality of chambers and vertical filtration units, and areoperative to control and filter surface runoff water. Such systemstypically have an overall shape of a box and are placed inline withrunoff water conveyance system infrastructure, such as pipes, channels,ditches, canals, and water storage units. Partitioned water systems ofthe invention can comprise shapes such as triangular or circular.

FIGS. 1-5 show different views of an embodiment of a partitioned watertreatment system with vertical filtration units according to theinvention. FIGS. 1 and 2 show top-views of the embodiment, cut-out alongdashed line C of FIG. 3, in low to moderate water flow conditions and inhigh water flow conditions, respectively. FIGS. 3 and 5 show side-viewsof the embodiment, cut-out along dashed line A of FIG. 1, in low tomoderate water flow conditions and in high water flow conditions,respectively. FIG. 4 shows a side-view of the embodiment, cutout alongdashed line B in FIG. 1, in low to moderate water flow conditions.

Referring to FIG. 1, box 300 possesses two lateral walls 305, floor 310,ceiling 350 (see FIG. 3), a first endwall 315 that comprises inflowopening 330, and a second endwall 325 that comprises outflow opening320. In box 300, inflow opening 330 and outflow opening 320 areconfigured to allow for the placement of box 300 inline with runoffwater conveyance pipe 335. Runoff water flows through conveyance pipe335 and box 300 in the directions indicated by the water-flow schematicarrows.

Box 300 is made of solid, durable, and strong material(s) such asconcrete, metal, wood, stone, and fiberglass. Several walls partitionbox 300 into primary separation chamber 400, secondary separationchamber 450, filtration chambers 500, and discharge chamber 600, eachpossessing a rectangular or square shape. Separation chamber walls 430are each in sealed connection with each of first endwall 315, dischargechamber wall 610, separation chamber partition wall 425, and floor 310of box 300, but not the ceiling of box 300, forming primary separationchamber 400 and secondary separation chamber 450. The top of separationchamber partition wall 425 is positioned below or equal to the bottom ofinflow opening 330 and below the top of the section of separationchamber walls 430 that abuts primary separation chamber 400 and aportion of secondary separation chamber 450 (also see FIG. 3). Thisconfiguration results in low to moderate amounts of water enteringinflow opening 330 filling primary separation chamber 400 and thenflowing over separation chamber partition wall 425 into secondaryseparation chamber 450. In the process, sufficiently dense and heavywaterborne sediment and debris are deposited in primary separationchamber 400 for later removal.

The tops of separation chamber walls 430 form notches 426 abuttingdischarge chamber wall 610. The bottom of notches 426 are positionedsubstantially even with the top of separation chamber partition wall 425(also see FIGS. 3 and 7). This configuration results in low to moderateamounts of water flowing over the top of primary separation chamber wall425 filling secondary separation chamber 450 and flowing through notches426 (also referred to as “diversion weirs”) into filtration chambers500. In the process, sufficiently dense and heavy waterborne sedimentand debris are deposited in secondary separation chamber 450 for laterremoval. In some embodiments, the bottom of notches 426 is positionedbelow the top of separation chamber partition wall 425.

Referring again to FIG. 1, separation chamber walls 430 further formfiltration chambers 500. Filtration chambers 500 possess verticalfiltration units 520 mounted on collection rails 540 (also see FIG. 4).As illustrated in FIG. 11, vertical filtration units 520 comprise asheet of filter material, such as porous plastic, paper, or fiberglass,folded back and forth into a series of pleats 522 formed into a hollowcylinder 521, the ends of which are sealed closed by water impermeabletop end 523 and bottom end 522 that is only permeable to water throughbottom end opening 524. Bottom end 522 and top end 523 are made fromstrong, durable material such as metal, plastic, or fiberglass. Top endof 523 of vertical filtration unit 520 also possesses handle 535Vertical filtration units 520 are operative to remove, from waterflowing therethrough, waterborne particulate matter such as large andfine sediments and debris.

Referring again to FIG. 1, collection rails 540 extend substantially theentire length of filtration chambers 500, through discharge chamber wall610 and partway into discharge chamber 600, in proximity with floor 310of box 300. Collection rails 540 are made of strong and durablematerial(s) such as concrete, metal, plastic, or fiberglass and fixedlysupport vertical filtration units 520 mounted thereon. Collection rails540 possess a duct structure, closed and water impermeable apart fromwater exit openings 541 at their ends in discharge chamber 600 andfilter openings 529 that are inline with each of the openings of bottomend opening 524 of vertical filtration units 520 mounted thereon bycoupler 528, which is adapted to place vertical filter 520 in sealed,fluid communication with the interior of the duct of collection rail 540(FIGS. 1, 11, and 12). Vertical filtration units 520 are each mounted oncollection rails 540 in a manner that permits water to flow fromfiltration chambers 500 into collection rails 540 only by passingthrough the cylinders 521 and bottom end openings 524 of verticalfiltration units 520 and then through exit openings 541 of collectionrails 540 (FIGS. 1, 11, and 12). This configuration results in low tomoderate amounts of water filling filtration chambers 500 flowing firstthrough vertical filtration units 520, then into collection rails 540,and then into discharge chamber 600.

In some embodiments, exit openings 541 are sized to control the rate atwhich water flows through the system. By limiting water flow throughvertical filtration units 520 to a rate lower than the capacity thereof,the pollutant removal efficiency and the useful life between maintenanceand/or replacement of vertical filtration units 520 can be increased.

Referring again to FIG. 1, discharge chamber wall 610 is in sealedconnection with each of lateral walls 305, second endwall 325, and floor310 of box 300, but not the ceiling of box 300, forming dischargechamber 600. Outflow opening 320 is in fluid communication withconveyance pipe 335 at a position abutting floor 310 of box 300. Thisconfiguration results in water entering discharge chamber 600 flowinginto conveyance pipe 335.

In the process of performing their filtration functions, verticalfiltration units 520 and collection rails 540 impede the flow of waterfrom filtration chambers 500 into discharge chambers 600. This impedancemakes possible conditions in which water enters inflow opening 330 at arate greater than it flows from filtration chambers 500 into dischargechamber 600 through vertical filtration units 520 and collection rail540 (“high flow conditions”). The top of the section of dischargechamber wall 610 that abuts secondary separation chamber 450 anddiversion weir 426 of separation chamber walls 430 is positioned betweenthe top of diversion weir 426 and the top of discharge chamber wall 610,forming bypass weir 620. Under high flow conditions, water level 900rises in filter chambers 500 to the point that water flows over bypassweir 620 into discharge chamber 600 (FIGS. 2 and 5). Under high flowconditions, it is possible for water levels to rise above the highestsections of separation chamber walls 430 and discharge chamber wall 610;and during such conditions water flows over the entirety of dischargechamber wall 610 into discharge chamber 600 (not shown).

The embodiment of a partitioned water treatment system with verticalfiltration units according to the invention shown in FIGS. 1-5 possessesvelocity shields 470 installed into primary separation chamber 400 andsecondary separation chamber 450. Velocity shields 470 are made ofstrong, solid, and durable material(s) such as metal, fiberglass, orplastic. Referring again to FIG. 1, the velocity shields 470 installedin primary separation chamber 400 are fixedly mounted on inflow chamberwall 315 and separation chamber partition wall 425, positioned slightlybelow the bottom of inflow opening 330 and the top of separation chamberpartition wall 425. And they extend partway into separation primaryseparation chamber 400 at a slight downangle. In this configuration, theprimary separation chamber 400 velocity shields 470 function to impedewater, entering primary separation chamber 400 through inflow opening330 at a moderate to high rate of speed, from establishing circulationpatterns within primary separation chamber 400 that are operative to i.resuspend sediment and debris deposited on the floor of primaryseparation chamber 400, and ii. carry resuspended sediment and debrisout of primary separation chamber 400 into secondary separation chamber450.

The velocity shield 470 installed in secondary separation chamber 450 isfixedly mounted on separation chamber partition wall 425, positionedslightly below the top thereof. It extends partway into separationsecondary separation chamber 450 at a slight downangle. In thisconfiguration, the secondary separation chamber 450 velocity shield 470functions to impede water, entering primary separation chamber 450 fromprimary separation chamber 400 at a moderate to high rate of speed, fromestablishing circulation patterns within secondary separation chamber450 that are operative to i. resuspend sediment and debris deposited onthe floor of secondary separation chamber 450, and ii. carry resuspendedsediment and debris out of secondary separation chamber 450 intofiltration chambers 500.

The embodiment of a partitioned water treatment system with verticalfiltration units according to the invention shown in FIGS. 1-5 possessesflow director 490 installed into secondary separation chamber 450. Flowdirector 490 is made of strong, solid, and durable material(s) such asmetal, fiberglass, or plastic. Referring again to FIG. 1, flow director490 is fixedly mounted on discharge chamber wall 610, and possesses acontoured surface that promotes the laminar flow of water from secondaryseparation chamber 450 into filtration chamber 500.

The embodiment of a partitioned water treatment system with verticalfiltration units according to the invention shown in FIGS. 1-5 possessesflow control assemblies 560 installed on the ends of flow control rails540 in discharge chamber 600. Flow control assemblies 560 are made of astrong and durable material such as concrete, metal, plastic, orfiberglass and cap the lateral openings of collection rails 540. Flowcontrol assemblies 560 possess a hollow structure and an internal flowcontrol wall (not shown) in sealed communication with both internal sidewalls of flow control assembly 560 and the floor of collection rail 540but not the internal ceiling of flow control assembly 560 and istherefore configured to vertically redirect water flowing horizontallyout of collection rails 540 over the top of the flow control wall out offlow control assembly into discharge chamber 600. The position of thetop of the flow control is the level, in filtration chambers 500, towhich water will rise prior to flowing through flow control assemblies560, out of collection rails 540, and into discharge chamber 600. Inpreferred embodiments, flow control assemblies 560 are sized andconfigured to cause water, in filtration chamber 500, to rise to a levelsubstantially even with the top of vertical filtration units 520 priorto flowing through flow control assemblies 560, out of collection rails540, and into discharge chamber 600. Such configuration provides for asubstantially uniform vertical loading of waterborne sediment and debrisfiltered by vertical filtration unit 520.

The internal configuration of flow control assembly 560 illustrated inFIGS. 1-5 differs from the flow control assembly illustrated in FIG. 8by lacking a mechanical gate. In some embodiments, flow controlassemblies comprise flow control assembly drain down openings in theirinternal walls in proximity with the floor of the collection rail andconfigured to allow water to drain out of collection rails 540 duringconditions of low or no water flow into the system. In flow controlassembly embodiments that comprise a gate, flow control assembly draindown openings can be position in the gate. Some embodiments ofpartitioned water treatment systems lack flow control assemblies.

FIG. 6 shows an inflow end view, cut-out along dashed line D of FIG. 2,of the partitioned water treatment system with vertical filtration unitsshown in FIGS. 1-5. As can be seen, box 300 possesses a first accesshatch comprised of a first opening in ceiling 350 and a first removablecover 120.

FIG. 7 shows an outflow end view, cut-out along dashed line E of FIG. 2,of the partitioned water treatment system with vertical filtration unitsshown in FIGS. 1-5. As can be seen, box 300 possesses a second accesshatch comprised of a second opening in ceiling 350 and a secondremovable cover 120. Also seen are water outflow orifices 541 in flowcontrol assemblies 560, through which water enters discharge chamber 600from collection rails 520.

FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of a collection rail 540 fitted with a flowcontrol assembly 560 that possesses an air release valve 555 and amechanical gate in a closed configuration. Air release valve 555 isconfigured to release air from the interior of flow control assembly 560upon air pressure therein building to a threshold release level of airrelease valve 555, and air release valve 555 is operational to promotelaminar flow of water over the top of gate weir 565. Air release valvesuseful in flow control assemblies include one-way valves and two-wayvalves. The mechanical gate is installed inside of flow control assembly560 possesses a hollow structure. Flow control assembly 560 is in sealedconnection with collection rail 540 and is in fluid communication withcollection rail 540. The mechanical gate comprises gate weir 565,release flap 575, flow gate 580, cam lock 585, and cam lock connectorrod 590. Gate weir 565 is in sealed connection with two lateral walls offlow control assembly 560, two lateral walls of collection rail 540, andthe floor of collection rail 540, but not the ceiling of flow controlassembly 560. Flow gate 580 is in substantially sealed connection withtwo lateral walls of flow control assembly 560, and is rotatably mountedon the bottom of gate weir 565 and is in moveable contact with the floorand side walls of collection rail 540.

Release flap 575 is mounted between the lateral walls of flow controlassembly 560 in a manner that allows for its rotation through anapproximately 90 degree arc between substantially horizontal andvertical positions. Cam lock 585 and cam lock connector rod 590 aremounted between flap 575 and gate 580. When, as shown in FIG. 8, themechanical gate is in the closed configuration, gate 580 impedes theflow of water out of collection rail 540 such that water entersfiltration chamber 500 at a rate greater than it flows out of collectionrail 540, causing water level 900 therein and in flow control assembly560 to rise as indicated by the water-flow schematic arrows. Cam lock585 and cam lock connector rod 590 prevent water pressure exerted ongate 580 from causing gate 580 to rotate into an open position bytransmitting: i. weight of flap 575 to gate 580, and ii. the operationalrotation limit of flap 575 at the substantially horizontal position togate 580.

FIGS. 9 and 10 show the mechanical gate of flow control assembly 560 ofFIG. 8 in an open configuration. The water-flow schematic arrows inFIGS. 9 and 10 indicate that, when water level 900 occupies a positionabove the top of gate weir 565, water flows over the top thereof andfalls onto release flap 575. The pressure exerted by water falling onrelease flap 575 causes cam lock connector rod 590 to exert an amount ofdownward pressure on cam lock 585 effective to release it, which allowswater pressure exerted on gate 580 to cause it to rotate into an openposition. When gate 580 is in an open position, water flows throughvertical filtration units 520 into collection rails 540, and underneathgate 580. Alternative types of gates within the scope of the inventioninclude float gates, float valves, pressure gates, floating weirs, slidegates, tilt weirs, and lift gates.

FIG. 13 shows a cut-out, side view of an embodiment of a partitionedwater treatment system with vertical filtration units that differs fromthe embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-5 by possessing an oil skimmer910, operative to absorb hydrocarbons from water for later removal,mounted in secondary separation chamber 450.

FIG. 14 shows a cut-out, side view of an embodiment of a partitionedwater treatment system with vertical filtration units that differs fromthe embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-5 by possessing a bypassfiltration basket 920 mounted on discharge chamber wall 610 in dischargechamber 600.

FIG. 15 shows a cut-out, side view of an embodiment of a partitionedwater treatment system with vertical filtration units installed upstreamof water storage unit 930. The illustrated partitioned water treatmentsystem with vertical filtration units differs from the embodimentillustrated in FIGS. 1-5 by lacking an outflow opening in endwall 325possessing outflow opening 945 in floor 310 in discharge chamber 600.Outflow opening 945 allows water in discharge chamber 600 to flow intowater storage unit 930. Water storage unit 930 comprises: i. roof 931,two side walls 932 (FIG. 16), two endwalls 933 (FIG. 15), deck 936,which form storage chamber 941, ii. influent opening 942 and effluentopening 937 abutting deck 936, and iii. storage chamber wall 950.Storage chamber wall 950 partitions water storage unit 930 into waterstorage chamber 941 and into inflow chamber 938 and discharge chamber939. Storage chamber wall 950 is in sealed connection with side walls932, but not roof 931 and comprises water storage chamber flow controlorifice 935 in proximity with floor 936. This configuration results inwater flowing, under conditions of low to moderate water flow throughthe water storage unit, from inflow chamber 938, through water chamberflow control orifice 935, into discharge chamber 939, through outflowopening 937, and into pipe 335, at a rate controlled by the size ofstorage chamber flow control orifice 935. Under such conditions, thewater level 940 in storage chamber 930 remains below the top of storagechamber weir wall 950. Under conditions of high water flow through thesystem (not shown), water levels in the storage chamber rise to a levelabove the top of the storage chamber weir wall, such that water alsoflows from inflow chamber 938, over the top of separation chamber wall950, into discharge chamber 939, through outflow opening 937, and intopipe 335. FIG. 17 shows a cut-out, side view of the partitioned watertreatment system with vertical filtration units illustrated in FIGS. 1-5installed downstream of water storage unit 960. Water storage unit 960comprises: i.

roof 961, two side walls 962 (FIG. 18), two endwalls 963 (FIG. 17), deck966, which form storage chamber 971, ii. influent opening 962 andeffluent opening 967 abutting deck 966, and iii. storage chamber wall970. Storage chamber wall 970 partitions water storage chamber 971 intoinflow chamber 968 and discharge chamber 969. Storage chamber wall 970is in sealed connection with side walls 962, but not roof 961 andcomprises water storage chamber flow control orifice 965 in proximitywith deck 966. This configuration results in water flowing, underconditions of low to moderate water flow through the water storage unit,from inflow chamber 968, through water chamber flow control orifice 965,into discharge chamber 969, through outflow opening 967, and into pipe335, at a rate controlled by the size of storage chamber flow controlorifice 965. Under such conditions, the water level 940 in storagechamber 930 remains below the top of storage chamber wall 970. Underconditions of high water flow through the system (not shown), waterlevels in the storage chamber rise to a level above the top of thestorage chamber wall 970, such that water also flows from inflow chamber938, over the top of storage chamber wall 970, into discharge chamber969, through outflow opening 967, and into pipe 335.

Partitioned water treatment system with vertical filtration unitsaccording to the invention con be configured for installation upstreamor downstream of a plurality of water storage units. In someembodiments, the partitioned water treatment system adjoins one or morewater storage units. In some embodiments, the partitioned watertreatment system and water storage unit are connected by pipe(s).

FIG. 19 shows a side-view of an embodiment of a partitioned watertreatment system of the invention, cut-out along dashed line A ofFIG. 1. The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 19 differs from theembodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-5 by: i. lacking a flow controlassembly, ii. comprising drain-down filter 980 installed in secondaryseparation chamber 450, and iii. comprising drain-down orifice 975 inseparation chamber partition wall 425. Drain-down orifice 975 inseparation chamber partition wall 425 permits water to flow from primaryfiltration chamber 400 into secondary filtration chamber 450.

As illustrated in FIG. 20, drain-down filter 980 comprises a sheet offilter material, such as porous plastic, paper, or fiberglass, foldedback and forth into a series of pleats 981 formed into a hollow cylinder982, the ends of which are sealed closed by water impermeable top end983 and bottom end 984 that is only permeable to water through opening985. Bottom end 984 and top end 983 are made from strong, durablematerial such as metal, plastic, or fiberglass. Top end of 983 ofdrain-down filter 980 also possesses handle 986. Referring again to FIG.19, drain-down filter 980 is mounted on floor 310 and is in sealed,fluid communication with drain-down filter channel 987 in floor 310 thatextends from secondary separation channel 450 to discharge chamber 600.Drain-down filter channel 987 is water impermeable apart from egressopening 988 in discharge chamber 600 and a drain-down filter opening(not seen) that is inline with bottom end opening 985 (FIG. 20).Drain-down filter 980 is operative to remove, from water flowingtherethrough, waterborne particulate matter such as large and finesediments and debris. Drain-down filter 980 and drain-down filterchannel 987 together permit filtered water to flow from secondaryfiltration chamber 450 into discharge chamber 600. Drain-down orifice975, drain-down filter 980, and drain-down filter channel 987 togetherare operative to establish a flow path of water through the partitionedwater treatment system from primary separation chamber 400 throughdrain-down orifice 975 into secondary filtration chamber 450, throughdrain-down filter 980, through drain-down filter channel 987 intodischarge chamber 600, and through outflow opening 320.

FIG. 21 is an isolation view of an embodiment of a collection rail 540that is inside a partitioned water filtration system and is fitted witha flow control assembly 560 that possesses an air release valve 555 anda float gate in a closed configuration. Air release valve 555 isconfigured to release air from the interior of flow control assembly 560upon air pressure therein building to a threshold release level of airrelease valve 555, and air release valve 555 is operational to promotelaminar flow of water over the top of gate weir 565. Air release valvesuseful in flow control assemblies include one-way valves and two-wayvalves. The float gate is installed inside of flow control assembly 560which possesses a hollow structure. Flow control assembly 560 is insealed connection with collection rail 540 and is in fluid communicationwith collection rail 540. The float gate comprises gate weir 565, buoy595, and drain down orifice 596. Float gate weir 565 is in substantiallysealed connection with two lateral walls of flow control assembly 560,two lateral walls of collection rail 540, and the floor of collectionrail 540, but not the ceiling of flow control assembly 560. Float gateweir 565 is vertically moveably mounted in flow control assembly 560.Float gate buoy 595 is fixedly connected to float gate weir 565. Floatgate buoy 595 and float gate weir 565 are configured to occupy a closedposition when water level 900 occupies a position below buoy 595 in flowcontrol assembly 560. When, as shown in FIG. 21, the float gate is inthe closed configuration, float gate weir 565 impedes the flow of waterout of collection rail 540, such that water enters filtration chamber500 at a rate greater than it flows out of collection rail 540, causingwater level 900 therein and in flow control assembly 560 to rise, asindicated by the water-flow schematic arrows

FIGS. 22 and 23 show the float gate of flow control assembly 560 of FIG.21 in an open configuration. The water-flow schematic arrows in FIGS. 22and 23 indicate that, when water level 900 occupies a position near thetop of float gate buoy 595, float gate buoy 595 lifts float gate weir565 into an open configuration, which allows water to flow throughvertical filtration units 520 into collection rails 540, underneathfloat gate weir 565 and through exit orifice 541.

In some embodiments, partitioned water treatment systems with verticalfiltration units according to the invention do not possess a separationchamber partition wall; and therefore possess a primary separationchamber, but no secondary separation chamber. In such embodiments, adrain-down filter can be installed in the primary separation chamber. Insome embodiments, partitioned water treatment systems with verticalfiltration units according to the invention possess two separationchamber partition walls; and therefore possess at least a primaryseparation chamber, a secondary separation chamber, and a tertiaryseparation chamber. Partitioned water treatment systems with verticalfiltration units according to the invention can possess any number ofseparation chamber partition walls needed to obtain a desired number ofseparation chambers, such as four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, andten.

In some embodiments, partitioned water treatment systems with verticalfiltration units according to the invention possess only one wall, whichis a discharge chamber wall, and are therefore composed of two chambers,a filtration chamber and a discharge chamber.

In some embodiments, partitioned water treatment systems with verticalfiltration units according to the invention possess one separationchamber wall and therefore possess one filtration chamber. In suchembodiments that further comprise one or more separation chamberpartition wall(s), the one or more separation chamber partition wallsare in sealing contact with the one separation chamber wall, the floor,and one lateral wall of the box of the system, but not the ceiling ofthe box.

In some embodiments, partitioned water treatment systems with verticalfiltration units according to the invention possess on or more accesshatches in one or more of the inflow endwall, the outflow endwall, andthe ceiling of the box comprising the system.

In some embodiments, partitioned water treatment systems with verticalfiltration units according to the invention lack a flow controlassembly.

In some embodiments, partitioned water treatment systems with verticalfiltration units according to the invention lack or possess onediversion weir(s), bypass weir(s), or a combination thereof

In some embodiments, vertical filtration units are, for facile cleaningand replacement, removeably mountable onto a collection rail by, forinstance, coupler hardware such as friction fittings, threaded fittings,bolts, screws, nails, clamps, and the like. In some embodiments,vertical filtration units are permanently mounted onto a collection railby, for instance, welding.

In some embodiments, vertical filtration units comprise rigid housingsmade of durable material such as metal, plastic, or fiberglass loadedwith filtration material (e.g., as fiberglass, glass wool, and steelwool) or inorganic filtration media (e.g., zeolite, expanded aggregate,lava rock, oxide-coated inert material, alumina, pumice, and othersimilar oxides). Such inorganic filtration material and media isoperative to remove not only large and fine sediment and debris but alsodissolved pollutants from water. In such embodiments, the housingspossess screened or grated openings that permit water to pass throughthe filtration unit and retain the filtration material or media withinthe housing. In some embodiments, vertical filtration units arepermanently attached to the collection rails of a partitioned watertreatment system. In some embodiments, vertical filtration units can beequipped with lids or hatches to that provide access to the filtrationmaterial or media for removal or cleaning.

The apparatus and methods described are the preferred and alternateembodiments of this invention, but other methods are possible and arewithin the contemplation of this patent.

1-2. (canceled)
 22. A partitioned water treatment system comprised of abox configured for installation into a flow stream of surface runoffwater conveyance infrastructure (SRWC infrastructure), the boxpossessing a ceiling, a floor, two lateral walls, two endwalls, aninflow opening, an outflow opening, a discharge chamber wall, and one ormore collection rail(s), wherein: the discharge chamber wall is insealed connection with the floor and the two lateral walls, but not theceiling and the separation chamber wall is in sealed connection with thefloor, one of the endwalls, and the discharge chamber wall, but not theceiling, such that the discharge chamber wall and the separation chamberwall partitions—the box into a separation chamber that abuts the inflowopening, a filtration chamber, and a discharge chamber that abuts theoutflow opening, the inflow opening is: i. positioned in the ceiling,one of the two lateral walls, or one of the two endwalls; and ii.configured for achieving sealed, fluid communication with SRWCinfrastructure upstream of the partitioned water treatment system, theoutflow opening: i. positioned in the floor in or in proximity with thefloor in one of the two lateral walls or one of the two endwalls; andii. configured for achieving sealed, fluid communication with the SRWCinfrastructure downstream of the partitioned water treatment system,each of the one or more collection rail(s) comprises: i. a duct thatextends from the discharge chamber to the filtration chamber, sealinglythrough the discharge chamber wall, and ii. one or more filterassemblage(s): the one or more filter assemblage(s) comprising avertical filter, a filter opening in the duct, and a coupler that mountsthe vertical filter on the duct and places the vertical filter and thefilter opening in sealed, fluid communication, wherein the separationchamber is partitioned into a primary and secondary separation chamberby a partition wall which is configured to allow water entering theinflow opening to flow into the primary separation chamber, overseparation chamber partition wall, into secondary separation chamber andin the process settling out sufficiently dense and heavy waterbornesediment and debris, wherein the vertical filter of at least one of theone or more filter assemblage(s) comprises a sheet of filter materialformed into a cylinder closed by a top end that is water impermeable anda bottom end that is water impermeable a part from an opening throughwhich water can flow, and wherein the coupler is adapted to place theopening in the bottom end of the vertical filter in sealed, fluidcommunication with the filter opening of the at least one of the one ormore filter assemblage(s); wherein the sheet of filter material isselected from the group consisting of a plastic, a paper, a fiberglass,and a combination thereof; wherein the sheet of filter materialcomprises back and forth folds that form a series of pleats; wherein thecoupler of at least one of the one or more filter assemblage(s) isadapted to removeably mount the vertical filter on the duct; the ductcomprising an exit opening in the discharge chamber and configured suchthat: i. each of the one or more filter assemblage(s) are positioned inthe filtration chamber, and ii. the duct is water impermeable a partfrom the exit opening and the filter opening(s) of each of the one ormore filter assemblage(s), and the collection rail is operative to allowwater to flow from the filtration chamber to the discharge chamber bypassing through at least one of the one or more filter assemblage(s),the duct, and the exit opening, the top of the discharge chamber wall ispositioned in the box such that in conditions of: low to moderate waterflow through the system, a flow path of water is from the inflow openinginto the separation chamber, over the separation chamber wall into thefiltration chamber, through at least one of the one or more collectionrail(s) into the discharge chamber, and through the outflow opening. 23.The partitioned water treatment system of claim 22, further comprising acap or a plug sealingly mounted on the exit opening, wherein the cap orthe plug is water impermeable apart from one or more aperture(s) sized,individually or in aggregate, to control a rate of water flow throughthe duct that is less than a maximum rate of water flow through at leastone filter of the one or more filter assemblage(s).